“When Delays Happen”

Moses follows God’s plan

1 Tell my people:“I am !eeing you to move into what I have promised you”

Moses follows God’s plan

2 Tell Pharoah:“Let my people go”

The People’s Response:“Moses and Aaron brought together all the elders of the Israelites, and Aaron told them everything the LORD had said to Moses. He also performed the signs before the people, and they believed. And when they heard that the LORD was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped.” - Exodus 4:29-31

Pharaoh’s Response:“Pharaoh said, ‘Who is the LORD, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD and I will not let Israel go . . . Go and get your own straw wherever you can "nd it, but your work will not be reduced at all.’” - Exodus 5:2,11

Moses’ Response:“Moses returned to the LORD and said, ‘O Lord, why have you brought trouble upon this people? Is this why you sent me?’” - Exodus 5:22

God’s Response: “#erefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out !om under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will !ee you !om being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God...

God’s Response: “#en you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out !om under the yoke of the Egyptians. And I will bring you to the land I swore with upli$ed hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the LORD.’” - Exodus 6:6-8

9 DELAYS

Nile

Frogs

Mosquitos

FliesBoils

Livestockplague

Hail

Locusts

Darkness

Why did 9 DELAYS happen?

Delays are opportunities for:1 - God Rejectors2 - God Trusters

For God Rejectors,delays are opportunities

God uses to reveal Himself again and again

Delays REVEALED:

The rightness of trusting God alone

1The 9 plagues exposed the inadequacy of trusting false gods

Delays REVEALED:

Pride + sel!shness are a dead end destination

2

God’s warnings, andJesus’ woes

Delays REVEALED:

That God ultimately lets people have what their hearts insist on

3• Pharaoh • Egyptians

“#e Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” - 2 Peter 3:9

Delays are opportunitiesfor God Trusters,

to grow into freedom one step at a time

Trusting God deeper with each delay is the only way we discover how completely trustworthy He is

1

• No swarms of !ies in Goshen (8:22)• No livestock die from plague in Goshen (9:9)• No hail destroys in Goshen (9:26)

Discover His care amidst catastrophe

Trusting God deeper with each delay is the only way we discover how completely trustworthy He is

1

• Before each plague – preparation• During the delays – promises

Discover how His Word prepares you

Perseverance through delays grows us to handle the ful!llment of His plans

2

Moses at beginning of Exodus

“I can’t”

Perseverance through delays grows us to handle the ful!llment of His plans

2

Moses at the end of Exodus

“Yes, we can”

Perseverance through delays grows us to handle the ful!llment of His plans

2

Moses at the end of Exodus

“Yes, we will”

Perseverance through delays grows us to handle the ful!llment of His plans

2

Moses at the Red Sea

“#e Lord will "ght for you” - Exodus 14:14

BUIL

DIN

G E

XPAN

SIO

N Facility planning for “The Next Generation”

approved by the Board of Deacons (Nov. 4, 2008)

APC’s Building Committee, with the help of Redbox Design Group (student education design specialists) prepared plans

Engagement of Reinders and Reider Ltd as our architects (Nov. 2009)

Presentation to and approval by members to proceed (Sept. 26, 2010)

Presentation to congregation with a message about “The Next Generation” (April 30/May 1, 2011)

Fundraising began with pledges and offerings (during 2011, $281,105.45 was raised)

BUIL

DIN

G E

XPAN

SIO

N Phase 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the required archeological

study was completed over six months (2011)

Many meetings to remove property changes required by the City of Toronto resulted in $80,000 of savings for us

Deposit cheques submitted to the City

Currently awaiting a building permit from the City

Daily choosing to move ahead in God’s plan makes you permanently unstoppable

3

Daily choosing to move ahead in God’s plan makes you permanently unstoppable

3

Perseverance through delays grows us to handle the ful!llment of His plans

2

Trusting God deeper with each delay is the only way we discover how completely trustworthy He is

1One step at a time...